badass

[ bad-as ]

adjective

1. (of a person) difficult to deal with; mean-tempered and sometimes violent.
2. so tough, assertive, or independent as to be somewhat intimidating:

   He is one badass sheriff who stops at nothing to solve a mystery.

3. awesome or impressive; worthy of admiration: a bluegrass band with a badass fiddler.

   badass American sports cars;

   a bluegrass band with a badass fiddler.

noun

1. a mean-tempered troublemaker.
2. a somewhat intimidating person who is tough, assertive, or independent:

   She’s a corporate badass who knows her worth.

badass

/ ˈbædˌæs /

noun

1. a tough or aggressive person

   the meanest badass in town

adjective

1. tough or aggressive

   a badass rock band

2. excellent

   a real badass watch

Word History and Origins

Origin of badass¹

First recorded in 1950–55; bad ¹ + ass ²